It's hard to believe, but by the time No Doubt finish work on their next album, they will have released only one CD during George W. Bush's two terms in office. Of course, in the interim, singer Gwen Stefani has kept busy with two solo albums and a son (with another kid on the way). Meanwhile, guitarist Tom Dumont has produced albums by his pal Matt Costa, bassist Tony Kanal has helped Stefani on her solo efforts, and drummer Adrian Young played drums on Bow Wow Wow's 2004 tour.

"Been thinking so much about you all lately as I am back in the studio again with the boys, trying to write some new music," wrote Stefani, 38, who is expecting her second child with husband Gavin Rossdale this summer. "What an amazing few years it has been. So inspired going through the dance-record phase of my life. Thank you so much for all your support! The tour was incredible. We ended up doing over 100 shows around the world, and it was so rewarding and again inspiring. Thank you to everyone who came out to see it ... memories for life!

"Great to be home with all my boys," said Stefani, who reunited with the band onstage during two of her solo shows in California last summer. "Feels crazy to be pregnant all over again!!!!! We have been spending every day up in the little studio in our house, trying to write music. My favorite part so far is just seeing the guys every day and hanging out. We have so much fun together. The songwriting part is a bit slow on my part. ... I think it has something to do with the baby in my belly, but I'm sure it is all of the process, and I really believe this could be the most inspired No Doubt record so far. Can't wait to see what happens."

In early March, Dumont, whose wife is also expecting a second child this summer, wrote in the same forum that it was nice to feel the Southern California sun shining into "the little studio space where we've been working on some new music." He promised that "this year is going to be so great, making music together again. I don't want to disclose too much too soon, but we have a heap of new ideas being explored."

Manager Jim Guerinot said the yet-untitled album, which is being produced by Mark "Spike" Stent (Björk, U2, Britney Spears), is penciled in for the first half of 2009. Between the babies and recording, No Doubt are not expected to do any touring in 2008, but, Guerinot promised, they plan to hit the road hard in 2009 for their first full-fledged band tour in nearly five years.